KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee's Kenny Hall heads into this season with an even greater sense of urgency than the typical senior.

Not only does this represent the final season of Hall's college career, it also gives the 6-foot-9 forward a chance to make amends. Hall was suspended for the last nine games of the 2011-12 season. His absence proved critical when Tennessee just missed earning its seventh straight NCAA tournament bid.

Hall makes his official return Friday when Tennessee opens the season against Kennesaw State.

Hall could prove particularly valuable to the Vols as they open the season without senior forward Jeronne Maymon, who recently had a setback in his recovery from offseason arthroscopic surgery to each of his knees. Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin hasn't said exactly when Maymon will return.